Which bacterium produces chloramphenicol, the antibiotic first isolated from a soil microorganism in 1947?

Streptomyces venezuelae produces chloramphenicol, the antibiotic first isolated from a soil microorganism in 1947. This filamentous, Gram-positive bacterium belongs to the genus Streptomyces, a major source of medically useful natural products.

Chloramphenicol was discovered in cultures of Streptomyces venezuelae by researchers at Parke-Davis. It acts by binding to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit, blocking part of protein synthesis. Because it can also affect human bone marrow, its use is restricted in many settings, although it remains valuable for selected infections.

Several Streptomyces species produce different antibiotics, which makes the species name important. Streptomyces griseus produces streptomycin, while Streptomyces rimosus produces oxytetracycline. Chloramphenicol was once used widely, but resistance and the risk of rare serious blood disorders have limited routine use. The compound has also been used in veterinary and laboratory contexts.